Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the closing ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie on Saturday (November 29, 2025). Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it stands as a remarkable example of civil–military coordination, where the administration and armed forces worked hand-in-hand to maintain public trust.

Civil servants must be ready for national challenges
The Defence Minister urged young civil servants to understand their responsibility in safeguarding national interests. He said that just as soldiers remain prepared for tough situations, administrative officers too must be mentally ready for unexpected challenges. Operation Sindoor, he said, proved how the civil administration and the armed forces worked together, communicated essential information, and strengthened public confidence.

Border situation tense due to Pakistan
Rajnath Singh said that during Operation Sindoor, the armed forces destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK through a calibrated response. However, due to Pakistan’s conduct, normalcy could not return along the border. He praised the bravery of the armed forces and administrative officials involved in coordinating nationwide mock drills linked to the operation.

Administrative communication praised
He emphasized that the way officials across the country informed the public about the mock drills and ensured smooth execution reflected the commitment and capability of India’s administrative machinery. He encouraged the trainees to prepare themselves for any such situation in the future.

Vision for a developed India by 2047
Speaking about governance reforms, Rajnath Singh stressed that strong coordination between administration and national security is vital to achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “minimum government, maximum governance” and the formula of “reform, perform and transform,” he said civil servants are crucial in pushing India toward self-reliance and development.

He noted that when the current government was formed in 2014, India’s economy ranked 11th globally; today it is in the fourth position. Institutions like Morgan Stanley now project that India could become the world’s third-largest economy in the next few years.

Integrity and public accountability
Addressing the young officers, Singh said that civil servants are not merely idealistic protectors but facilitators of public empowerment. He stressed the importance of integrity, saying it should not be treated as an exception but as a normal part of everyday conduct. Administrators, he said, must cultivate a culture of honesty, accountability, and empathy.

Technology as a tool for welfare
Rajnath Singh encouraged civil servants to leverage technology to solve public-centric problems in a fast-changing era. Citing schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, DBT, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the Income Tax Faceless Assessment System, he said technology has become a major enabler for governance.

He also spoke about the Defence Ministry’s AI-based automation system for transparent procurement and payments, emphasizing that technology should enhance access, transparency, and inclusivity — not become an end in itself.

Empathy towards citizens
The Minister reminded the trainees to treat every citizen with empathy, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds. He said people’s struggles are shaped not only by personal effort but also by social and economic circumstances, and a compassionate administrator must keep this in mind.

Progress of women in civil services
Highlighting the strong performance of women in recent UPSC results — with a woman topping the exam and three out of the top five being women — Singh said he is confident that many women will rise to the highest administrative positions by 2047.

Saluting the legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri
Rajnath Singh said that LBSNAA, named after former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, stands for simplicity, integrity, and courage. Recalling Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 war and his contribution to the Green Revolution, he urged officers to draw inspiration from his slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”

Earlier, the Defence Minister paid floral tributes to Shastri and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inaugurated an ODOP pavilion on the academy campus.